Hi Hrabil and thanks for commenting. Addressing the changes in the new (released Oct 23) Comodo is on my list of things to change in my canned text this next week.

Like so many of the security program makers, Comodo is also pushing people to buy their "suites". As noted, I feel this limits user choice, and introduces single-point of failure vulnerabilities. I don't think what I feel matters much.

The new Comodo does indeed now includes an AV component too in it's free "Comodo Internet Security", formally just "Comodo Firewall Pro". Based on the reputation of Comodo and the Comodo Firewall Pro, which already contains the HIPS component, I would expect Comodo AV to be a fine performer too. The problem I have is I can't find where their AV has been tested by any of the major labs that I am aware of.

ICSA Labs
virus Bulletin - AV-Test.org
AV Comparatives

I cannot explain why. Did Comodo not allow it? I don't know.

I use Comodo FW on this machine and can recommend it. Based on that, and the screen shots at Comodo, I would expect you can disable the real-time anti-virus protection feature of the Comodo AV, and use the real-time scanner of your choice. But I have yet to install the new version to see if that is so. If so, I would expect it would make a nice supplemental scanner just to have on hand.

How do you feel about avg v8? I have that on my computer & I had it on my mom's but I removed it from my mom's (and put v7 on) because it wouldn't do scheduled scanning which I want it to do on her's [which I guess might be Vista]. It does do that on mine even though I don't want it to. I think that that is very odd. Personally I don't like the new interface although I do like how it has anti-spyware built in.

I've been using AVG Free for many years, right after it came out and I was so tired of Norton's bloat, which I changed to years earlier after I got tired of McAfee's bloat!!! I wish they would learn - if they get too bloated, I will find something else.

I have AVG Pro (paid version) on this machine and I was very upset when 8 first came out as it was very bloated with extras I did not want, and there were some other issues. They straighted the issue but they are all pushing folks towards suites. AVG8 includes an AS scanner and I already had a subscription for SUPERAntispyware - but they seem to play well together and do not gobble up too many resources.

The pro version has a much more flexible scheduler.

Of course we must remember, the best security programs can't protect you or your computer if the user is careless.

Originally Posted by townsbg

How do you feel about avg v8? I have that on my computer & I had it on my mom's but I removed it from my mom's (and put v7 on) because it wouldn't do scheduled scanning which I want it to do on her's [which I guess might be Vista]. It does do that on mine even though I don't want it to. I think that that is very odd. Personally I don't like the new interface although I do like how it has anti-spyware built in.

I have just got my computer up and running. So far, AVG Free 8.0 is working fine. From what I remember during installation, it wasn't an option to schedule updates... only to schedule scans. In this area, there was only the choice for daily scans. But, when I opened the program after installation, I looked, and the update manager is able to schedule on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I don't think it has an option to scan everytime the computer starts, atd. So, the options are there, but they continue to take options away as a way to get you to buy the 'paid' versions.

but they continue to take options away as a way to get you to buy the 'paid' versions.

Take away? Or simply provide more with the paid version? I note the "free" version now includes their able anti-spyware program, email scanner, and in-resident shield - more than you need for an AV.

In this area, there was only the choice for daily scans

What would you like to see? I see no reason for more scans, and once a day is plenty - on top of the real-time scanning already provided. You can schedule the program to check for program updates, then 15 minutes later, check for database file updates, then 15 minutes later, scan your computer for you. Seems pretty flexible to me. Yes, the paid version allows greater flexibility, but for my money, I expect more.

I don't think it has an option to scan everytime the computer starts

And that is simply not true. It has the option to scan at every boot, even allowing the user to set a delay before scanning actually starts. It is best to research features before commenting on those features that might influence other's purchasing decisions.

Update notice. I have made significant changes to this guide, including changing the focus (and title) from "Cleaning out Malware" - to "Practicing Safe Computing". This puts the document more in line with it's intended purpose, that is, to direct those folks who need immediate specialized help to the Malware Removal specialists as quickly as possible, and to help all others establish a good defense and self-discipline in order to prevent the needs of expert services in first place.

Hmm a question of curiosity though... Why don't you lock this thread up? So that people will post their questions in new threads (so that other people can refer to it easier)? It'll also keep this thread much cleaner/neater.

I thought about that, but I wanted to keep things focused here and not scattered about. And also, many folks, especially those new to forums, do not feel comfortable starting new threads, and would rather just reply, or do nothing. I want everyone to feel welcomed to reply here.

As far as referring to it, I don't see that as a problem. It is a sticky, at the top of the forum page. Pretty easy to find. Or they can just click or copy this:

Practicing Safe Computing

For those looking for the discussion about running without an AV, I have split those posts out into it's own topic: here.

Thanks for your useful articles..........